One of the most popular luxury trains in India, the Golden Chariot is all set to soon offer destination weddings. In the past, this opulent train coach of Karnataka has been host to corporate outings and weekend getaways. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is now planning to introduce wedding as well as honeymoon packages.

An official of KSTDC said that this is going to be the very first time in the country that any luxury train would be offering a destination wedding. Through this offer, the tourism industry is hoping to increase the profits of the Golden Chariot luxury train by capturing the potential of the destination wedding industry. “Quite a few are keen on making their wedding a small affair at an exotic place,’’ said the official.

As the train will be booked for the wedding function, decorations, renting of transportation from the railway station to the wedding hall and booking of the priest will be done by KSTDC. The tourism company is also going to take care of other wedding functions like mehendi, sangeet, and reception. The food and cuisine can also be customized as per one’s choice.

There will also be a variety of domestic and international non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic drinks. Luxury air-conditioned buses will be booked for the family and the guests. The couple will be ferried in a luxury car. As per the package’s range, a honeymoon trip will also be offered to the newly wedded couple. 2 extra days will be added if they stay in a KSTDC hotel.

According to Priyank Kharge, the Tourism Minister, the rates and other details are being worked upon. During the wedding function inside the coach of the Golden Chariot, the guests cannot be more than 86. However, for outside, there is no restriction. The rates for a package are going to be approximately between INR 10 lakh and INR 15 lakh. KSTDC is also in talks with the railways for fixing the haulage, which is the fee that is levied for the use of the tracks. They plan to launch this offer within a month if things fall in place.

Some of the highlights are:

  • Marriage in the luxury carriage of Golden Chariot
  • Alternative sightseeing for the guests
  • The package includes mehendi, sangeet, and reception
  • Theme-based decorations by KSTDC
  • Customized arrangements for food and drink
  • Packages ranging between INR 10 lakh and INR 15 lakh